Are you on the lookout for the best dental schools in Colorado where you can enroll your ward? In this article, we have included all the information you need to make an informed decision on the best dental schools in Colorado.
Dental hygiene schools in Colorado are a big deal, yes! Consistently these dental schools have been seen to generate some of the country’s top-skilled dental hygienists due to their expertise and high requirements. Though it is challenging to get into these dental schools in Colorado, it is certainly not impossible. Hence we have put together this article to offer you all the help you may need.
A dental hygienist, often known as an oral hygienist, is a trained dental practitioner who is certified by their country’s dental association or regulatory authority. Finishing from a dental hygiene school in Colorado allows you to practice your desired career in Colorado and this comes with its peaks.
As of August 8, 2023, the average hourly wage in Colorado for a registered dental hygienist is $34.92. While ZipRecruiter reports wages as high as $53.83 and as low as $16.42, the majority of Registered Dental Hygienist salaries in Colorado now vary between $33.08 (25th percentile) to $41.97 (75th percentile). Usually registered dental hygienists are required to get an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene from an authorized college or university before passing the clinical and written board exams.
In simple terms, licensed hygienists are primary healthcare providers who can work independently of or in conjunction with dentists and other dental professionals to offer comprehensive oral health treatment. They have the education and expertise that concentrate on and specialize in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of numerous oral disorders.
Here are the 10 best dental hygiene schools in Colorado that can offer you the top-notch education and expertise that you need to stand out in your career.
The 10 Best Dental Hygiene Schools in Colorado to Consider
#1. Community College of Denver
The Community College of Denver (CCD) is a public community college founded in 1967 in Denver, Colorado. The college’s dental hygiene program is dedicated to preparing students to deliver thorough dental hygiene care to a patient.
Their dental program is one of the most highly rated programs in the state. Students of this college are educated to become preventive oral health professionals who provide educational, clinical, and therapeutic services in dentistry.
Community College of Dever is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA).
Tuition and Cost
Community College of Denver (CCD), one of the dental hygiene schools in Colorado costs a net price of $11,711 per year but offers an average total aid of $5,052 per year. 92% of students in the school receive financial aid.
Admission details
The school records an acceptance rate of 100%. No formal SAT or ACT requirements exist at the Community College of Denver (CCD). However, the average SAT score and ACT score for admitted students, respectively, are 1120 and 23.
#2. Pueblo Community College
Pueblo Community College (PCC), a public community college in Pueblo, Colorado, was established in 1933. Pueblo Community College offers a two-year Associate of Applied Science in Dental Hygiene program.
PCC awards a Bachelor of Applied Science in Dental Hygiene to certified dental hygienists with an associate degree. Registered dental hygienists who complete the Bachelor of Applied Science in Dental Hygiene degree will be better equipped to pursue academic and professional opportunities.
Tuition and Cost
Pueblo Community College (PCC), one of the dental hygiene schools in Colorado costs a net price of $11,238 per year but offers an average total aid of $7,886 per year. 85% of students in the school receive financial aid.
Admission details
The school records an acceptance rate of 100%. There are no explicit SAT or ACT score requirements for admission to Pueblo Community College (PCC). The college maintains an open admissions policy, which means that any applicants who meet the necessary minimal standards, such as possessing a high school diploma or equivalent, will be accepted.
#3. Colorado Northwestern Community College
Established in 1962, Colorado Northwestern Community College (CNCC) is a community college with campuses in Rangely and Craig. Graduates of the dental hygiene program at CNCC receive an associate of applied science degree in dental hygiene.
CNCC Dental Hygiene graduates are eligible to apply for licensure in all 50 states and to take the National Board Exam as well as regional or state clinical board exams.
According to statistics, the Colorado Northwestern Community College Dental Hygiene Program has an overall success rate of above 100% on the Board tests.
Tuition and Cost
Colorado Northwestern Community College (CNCC), one of the dental hygiene schools in Colorado costs a net price of $12,922 per year but offers an average total aid of $6,753 per year. 91% of students in the school receive financial aid.
Admission details
The school records an acceptance rate of 100%. The SAT and ACT minimal requirements for admission, as listed on the Colorado Northwestern Community College (CNCC) website, are as follows:
- SAT: Evidence-based Reading and Writing (470) and/or Math (500)
- ACT: English score of 18, Reading score of 17, and/or Math score of 19
#4. Concorde Career College
Concorde Career College offers a dental hygiene program that doesn’t charge an application fee. This college is also less selective when it comes to admissions.
Dental Assisting & Dental Assistant, Dental Assistant, and Dental Hygiene Associate Degree Programs are also offered at Concorde Career College.
Tuition and Cost
Concorde Career College, one of the dental hygiene schools in Colorado costs a net price of $18,500 per year but offers an average total aid of $4,275 per year. 85% of students in the school receive financial aid.
Admission details
The school records an acceptance rate of 83%. SAT or ACT scores are not necessary for admission to Concorde Career College. You must, however, take the Wonderlic SLE (Standardized Language Examination) exam. The 50-minute Wonderlic SLE is a multiple-choice exam that assesses your verbal, mathematical, and analytical reasoning abilities.
#5. Arapahoe Community College, Littleton
One of Colorado’s smaller dental hygiene programs is available at Littleton’s Arapahoe Community College, which also has a more lenient admissions procedure. The college has 329 first-year students and 778 total students enrolled.
Tuition and Cost
Arapahoe Community College, one of the dental hygiene schools in Colorado costs a net price of $11,277 per year but offers an average total aid of $5,134 per year. 41% of students in the school receive financial aid.
Admission details
The school records an acceptance rate of 100%. SAT or ACT scores are not necessary for admission to Arapahoe Community College (ACC). However, if you submit your results, they will be utilized to place you in the appropriate English and math classes.
#6. Pickens Technical College
The dental assisting program at Pickens Technical College is well-known for preparing students to be active members of the dental community.
After completing this program, students are qualified to conduct reception and clerical chores, carry out some laboratory work, and assist dentists in the dental operatory from the chairside.
Tuition and Cost
Pickens Technical College, one of the dental hygiene schools in Colorado costs a net price of $7,180 per year but offers an average total aid of $4,491 per year. 50% of students in the school receive financial aid.
Admission details
The school records an acceptance rate of 100%. Due to the college’s open admissions policy, all candidates are encouraged to apply, regardless of their test results. However, SAT and ACT results are taken into account as part of the holistic assessment process for some programs.
#7. Pikes Peak Community College
A public community college, Pikes Peak State College is located in Colorado Springs. In the vicinity of Pikes Peak, it is the biggest higher education establishment. Before transferring, PPSC students can enroll in the prerequisite courses for Dental Hygiene programs.
Tuition and Cost
Pikes Peak State College, one of the dental hygiene schools in Colorado costs a net price of $9,448 per year but offers an average total aid of $7,185 per year. 69% of students in the school receive financial aid.
Admission details
The school records an acceptance rate of 100%. There are no minimal SAT or ACT requirements for admission to Pikes Peak State College (PPCC).
#8. University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine
The University of Colorado’s dental school is known as the School of Dental Medicine. Students can gain knowledge in all three dimensions from virtual reality to the real world.
The school provides interdisciplinary training, patient care, and research activities.
Admission details
There isn’t a stated SAT or ACT requirement at the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine. However, the middle 50% of accepted students had SAT scores between 1185 and 1320 or ACT scores between 27 and 30.
#9. Denver Dental Assistant School
Denver Dental Assistant School was founded to provide students with the knowledge, skills, and prerequisites necessary to enter the local workforce while enabling them to become Dental Assistants without the financial burden of debt or the years of formal study.
The 12-week dental assistant program helped thousands of people launch new careers in the dental sector for a fraction of the cost of other universities.
Admission details
SAT or ACT scores are not necessary for admission to Denver Dental Assistant School. They put more emphasis on your GPA, letters of recommendation, and personal statement instead.
The school will take your SAT or ACT scores into account, though, if you decide to submit them. For accepted students, the average SAT score is 1020, and the average ACT score is 21. There is no minimum scoring requirement.
#10. University of Northern Colorado
The University of Northern Colorado is a public university located in Greeley, Colorado. The college was started in 1889 as the State Normal School of Colorado.
Students can choose from a variety of UNC majors and complete the prerequisite courses to prepare for entry to medical school and other degree programs for health professionals.
Admission details
The middle 50% of admitted students at UNC had SAT scores ranging from 970 to 1210. 1100 is the average SAT score. The middle 50% of admitted students’ ACT scores range from 19 to 28. The average ACT score is 23.
FAQs
What degree do you need for a dental hygienist in Colorado?
Students who are interested in a career in dental hygiene must complete a recognized school (often leading to an Associate’s Degree), pass the national board exam, and pass a regional or state licensure exam to be certified in the state.
Can a dental hygienist open their practice in Colorado?
According to the American Dental Hygienists’ Association, Colorado became the first state to permit qualified, licensed dental hygienists to establish independent practices with the passing of a bill in 1987.
Which semester of dental hygiene school is the hardest?
The fourth semester was by far the most difficult because you are getting close to the end. You need to start getting ready for your boards as soon as you are in your fourth semester. It would be preferable if you began paying your state board’s national board dues also.
Conclusion
Like we said before, choosing to study dental hygiene in Colorado is a great choice but you must be willing to put in the work. We have put out our recommendations for you; hit the link for the various dental schools in Colorado and make a choice that most suits your needs.
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Reference
Niche.com: 2023 Colorado Colleges with Dental Hygiene Degrees
Jesusful.com: 15 Best Dental Hygiene Schools in Colorado
Wikipedia.org: Dental Hygienist
Computer Engineering Student & Educational Content Writer
Udegbe Assumpta Chibuzor is a highly motivated undergraduate pursuing a degree in Computer Engineering at a respected university. As a skilled writer with a passion for education, she leverages her research skills to create informative and top-ranking educational content. Udegbe has a proven track record of assisting students in their academic pursuits, including helping them find the best schools for their goals.
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